Tuesday, June 26, 2012

This month, Vogue had a great article on the popularity of the cropped trouser. I love skirts in the summer, but have been seeing a lot of great trousers as well. To upgrade them to this season's trend, they should be slim fit that barely skim the ankle. When they're the right fit and length, they look so sleek and classic. Here are a couple of ideas on how to style your trousers.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Hello Everyone!

I'm so excited to announce that I've won my first blogger award!! In the fashion blogger community, we have a weekly award for the 20 best posts of the week. This week, I was selected as one of those top 20 for my post on the history of ikat as a summer print which can be found here.

Here's the article, and a list of the other winners:

Summer starts here!

My first week editing Links a la Mode and so many amazing posts to choose only 20 from! Today marks the first day of summer for the northern hemisphere and judging by my choice below, I am willing summer to start in earnest in the UK! In the meantime, there’s tips on keeping stylish in the rain. One of the things I love about the fashion blogging community is the creativeness that it breeds and this week is no exception with a few brilliant and on-trend DIYs for your to try at home. If DIY-ing isn’t your thing but you still like to save your pennies there are posts for splurging or saving too.

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Your boss says: Hey guys, the company's taking the whole department out to Game 5 of the NBA Finals!

While most will hoot, holler, and even dance a little dance...

For the athletically challenged who know absolutely nothing about sports (like me) you probably run to wikipedia to learn what little you can about the game...and then you find out it's a white out game. Last time you wore all white, you were at a graffiti paint party in college. You don't fit in that white tee, let alone those tight 80's designer jeans.

Well, don't dispair. Here's what I would wear to the NBA Finals "White Out" Game 5:

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

We've all been in that situation where someone says a racist or sexist joke at work. How do you respond to that? And what should you do if that person making you uncomfortable is a colleague, or worse yet, your boss?

The Direct Approach

Confront Them:

The best way to solve a problem is to confront it. Take the person off to the side, and speak with them in a calm, assertive manner about how the statement or action offended you. They may talk about you behind your back, but now they know it's offensive. And you may have saved someone else in the office from experiencing the effects of the offensive behavior.

Speak to HR:

If the offensive behavior has come to the point where it's now harassment (check your office policy guides to see what their definition of harassment is), tell HR. You can make complaints anonymously if you feel like the person will retaliate in some way.

The Indirect Approach

Look, a lot of work environments aren't as welcoming of an HR complaint; and you can't always confront your boss about something you feel is offensive. A great approach to combating this is to indirectly illustrate your disagreement.

The Serious, Quiet Approach: If someone is doing something offensive, keep your facial expression serious and don't say a word. Your actions will show that whatever they're doing is not funny to you and actually makes you quite angry. After they're done, quietly stand up and leave, if possible. So many people will laugh at an offensive joke just to fit in. Don't do it.

The "I Don't Get It" Approach: If someone says a really terrible joke or says something with an underlying offensive tone, play dumb. Say: "What? I don't get it?" Make them explain the underlying racist, sexist, homophobic belief that is the subject of the statement. And watch them squirm as they do it.

The "What Was That You Said Yesterday?" Approach: I've never actually done this, but it is such a great idea. Let's say someone says a joke about Hispanics to you and all your other white colleagues at work. The next time you're all gathered at the water cooler with someone who is Hispanic, ask them to repeat it. Say, "Oh man, Bill said the funniest joke yesterday. Bill, what was that joke again? I'm sure John (your Hispanic friend) would love to hear it." Wouldn't it be hilarious to see "Bill's" reaction?

Of course, some people are going to read this post and say "lighten up." But the truth is, there's a time and place for everything. I'm Hispanic, and I love to watch comedians making fun of all the stereotypes that have to do with my culture. It's funny! But that doesn't mean I have to tolerate that at work. It's a different atmosphere that must uphold a certain level of professionalism. Offensive behavior should not be tolerated in these situations.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Yes, I know it's not Monday, but this was a perfect representation of how I felt yesterday. I spent an awesome weekend with my family out of state, but got home feeling exhausted for the work week to come. I used that as inspiration, and came up with this great outfit. Blues and whites make such a beautifully bold statement when paired together. Enjoy!

Friday, June 15, 2012

Ok. I lied. None of this is vintage. But don't these give off a certain vintage-y vibe? Look at that purse! It reminds me of the 50s. I love it. And this skirt, for only $18, is to die for. This skirt is a great ikat print with a color scheme that will work well with a number of other pieces.

I love ikat because there's so much history and culture to it. It's an ancient textile dyeing and weaving process originating in Central Asia. Weavers first tie bundles of threads in specific patterns. They then die the threads in a certain way (much like tie-dyeing).After the dyeing process is complete, weavers secure the threads to a loom and weave the thread through fabric. Here's a great video where you can see how ikat fabric is made:

Want to know if your ikat fabric is authentic or an imitation print like the skirt I featured today? You should be able to see the design on the reverse of your garment since it has been weaved all the way through the fabric -- as opposed to an imitation print which will only show up on the front.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

My recent tv obsession is Veep. Maybe it's because I live in DC and see the executive building on my way to work every day, but I just love the sticky situations the Veep (aka Vice President, Selina Meyer, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) gets into. It's really a hillarious show.

So today, my inspiration comes from the ladies of Veep: Selina Meyer, Amy Brookheimer (played by Ann Chlumsky from My Girl!), and the oh so funny Sue Wilson.

The Veep is all about style. In fact, stylists on the show modeled the veep's style off none other than Michelle Obama. She loves her statement jewelry and has a classic DC style, with a twist. That's why I chose this red shift dress with the added touch of a scalloped neckline.

The Chief of Staff on the other hand is all about the power suit. The great thing about her, though, is that she'll pick a great suit with an unexpected element -- like the plaid print on this gray suit. Amy is very practical. So I could definitely see her owning about 5 different pairs of these pumps in brown, nude, and black. I think Amy is one of those women that doesn't want her clothes to distract from the powerful, intelligent woman she is, and I totally agree with that. (but I had to add a little brooch just to satisfy my need for bling)

I love Sue. She is so sassy, and her style reflects that quality. She tends to wear prints and statement earrings. So, I feel like she would absolutely love this outfit, minus the random bow on the dress. She'd get rid of that asap.

My absolute favorite thing about this show are its powerful women characters with leading roles. It really is an inspiration, and I hope it continues to be an ongoing theme on HBO and other major networks.

It is getting so sticky lately. Summer hasn't started and I already feel like I need to take 3 showers a day. Once the weather gets warmer, I see pencil skirts all over the place. But pencil skirts naturally stick to your body, making for a number of women walking down the streets with sweat marks where there just shouldn't be any! So, today I'm pulling out the airy, breezy a-line skirt. It's a great staple for summer, and doesn't feel restrictive like a pencil skirt often does.

I was inspired by Carolina Herrera's trademark white dress shirt and long, black a-line skirt. It's so classic. I hope you enjoy it!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

I am so excited about my wonderful finds this past weekend at my town's annual yard sale. Everyone got together to sell all their old stuff, and I was able to find a couple cool things. Of course, there was so much more I wanted to buy, but I had to restrain myself or else my small 2-bedroom would turn into an old garage.

So here's what I got, let me know what you think!

Wall ornaments -- don't they look like they're made of metal??

Shabby chic white candlestick holders for my dresser

Pier 1 couch pillow ($4!!)

Swingspout oil can that'll serve as a great flower pot for my ivy
p.s. I found out that these sell for $30-50 on ebay (I paid $2!!)

Pretty pretty scarf

I love these little gems, and it was only $3!

I also got a dark brown basket for odds and ends, a couple bronze curtain rods (for 25 cents!), and a mason jar. No, I didn't get anything on my wish list, but I had a ton of fun!!!

Monday, June 11, 2012

Trina Turk and Banana Republic collaborated on a new line that was just released last week. The looks scream summer with Turk's signature Palms Springs-esque, flirtatious prints. My favorite part of this collection is that they sell for about half of what they usually do at department stores ($34.50 - $150). Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

Did you know that, after Trina Turk's mother taught her to sew, she made a halter top and knew, from then on, that she wanted to study apparel design? Sometimes it's those little things that can make a huge impact on the world.

Readers: What do you think about the collection?

**I'm updating this post and adding the Zazzy Zebra Sateen Skirt because I just saw it on the blogger at Alterations Needed, and this skirt looks awesome on her!

Today I was inspired by orange and teal. These colors remind of classy parties on the beach with white tents and the wind blowing in my hair. I'm seriously dreaming about this while drinking my rather strong coffee in front of a glaring computer screen.

I love how this purse's little petal cut-outs remind me of the lace cut-outs on this super cute top. I went for a scoop neck t-shirt underneath rather than a tank top, as is featured on the Urban Outfitters site, because it would really be too close to a bare shoulder top which, in my opinion, is a no-no for work.

On another note, tomorrow is my town's annual yard sale. The whole town gets together to sell all their used items on their front lawns, and I get to rummage through all of it! I'm so excited. On my wish-list:

1. Vintage mirrors for a fun mirror collage for my new apartment, like this

2. Old maps

3. A small dinette set (because I don't want to trek all the way to ikea)

4. Belts and purses -- my favorite vintage fashion finds

5. Vintage dressing table to house my makeup, perfume, and jewelry...loooove all of these.

But, I know my favorites will be those I never expected to find. Can't wait!

Hello Everyone! This is the last blazer week post. I hope you had as much fun viewing these as I had creating them. I absolutely looooove this blazer. It's so hard to find a good tweed jacket under $100. Unfortunately, and not to my surprise, this jacket sold out just after I posted it on my first blazer week post. However, here are a few similar tweed blazers that are just as cute at Talbots,Tobi, and Lord and Taylor.

My Daily Musings:

On another note, I was updating my resume today and found myself mulling over my "Skills and Interests" section. The typical questions of (1) what should I include, (2) how long should it be, and (3) should I include this section at all came up. I'm sure many are concerned with whether they'll be judged negatively based on what they write in this section. I came to a few conclusions on this:

1. Tailor your interests to the job you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a job related to international issues, include any languages you know or are currently learning.

2. Don't include anything controversial: nothing political or religious. You never know what your potential employer's stance is on a certain issue, and you don't want them to judge you solely on this fact.

3. Three is the perfect number. Maybe it's just my OCD, but if you can come up with 3 or less skills/interests, your resume will look well balanced. A great tip is to include 2 professional skills and 1 fun interest. i.e. "Fluent in Spanish, Certification in Lexis Nexis and Westlaw Legal Research, Latin and Italian Cooking"

4. Think about what you're skills/interests say about you. I love fashion, obviously. But I'm not going to write that in this section because that really doesn't say anything about my abilities in the work place (unless I represent designers in intellectual property cases). Now, the fact that I trained for and ran the Boston marathon (not true) says that I'm dedicated, disciplined, and can deal with high-stress situations.

5. Don't lie. It'll bite you where it hurts in the long run.

The point is that this section is supposed to set you apart from other candidates. When reviewing resumes at work, I've often seen myself scrolling down first just to see what the candidates are interested in because you want to hire someone who is interesting and fits in with your office culture.

I present to you the fourth blazer week post, and I hope you love it as much as I do. My favorite item in the collection are the flats. There's something so luxe about them, and they're only $24.95.

One note about wearing dresses to work: Any dress, or skirt for that matter, should not be shorter than 1 inch above the knee, or longer than 1 inch below.

It's a great idea to take a look at the measurements posted on the website. The Piperlime website claims this dress is 38 inches. To make sure this fits, I measure from my adam's apple down to my knee to see that 38 inches works. I'm 5'4", and I tend to find that anything at the 36 inch range is ideal. However, if you're curvier, 36 inches may be too short. It all depends on your body type, which is why everyone should learn to measure themselves in order to make the most of their online shopping.

Don't you just love this skirt? It's such a fun print -- very psychedelic. Now let's figure out how to make it work-appropriate:

Paired with classic neutrals, this skirt stands out in an unexpected way. I really like the look of this skirt with a peek-a-boo peplum underneath this short, fitted blazer. I think it's a great way to spice it up at work while keeping it very classy. It's definitely pulling off that Victoria Beckham look.

This is my third blazer post for blazer week (which has really turned into blazer weeks due to the holiday), and I hope you've enjoyed my pairings.

Well, I hope you all have a great Monday! In the meantime, I want to leave you all with a special quote that will hopefully brighten up your day and take you through the rest of the week:

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." -- Harriet Tubman

Isn't this jacket begging for some elbow patches? I was perusing the fabsugar site (which I've always been secretly obssessed with) and found this great video on how to add elbow patches to any kind of clothing:

Cute, huh? Do you have any other great diy ideas for updating an outfit?